This blog post shares the best Korean skincare serums I always reach for now.
Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!
If there’s one thing I’ll never stop talking about, it’s skincare.
Especially the Korean skincare products that have made the biggest difference in my skin.
I dealt with milia, oily t-zones, and uneven texture for years. And now, with those first signs of aging creeping in, I knew I had to make a change.
So, I decided to dive into the world of K-beauty. And let me tell you, my skin has improved so much! The secret? Finding the best Korean skincare serums that actually work for my skin concerns.
In this post, I’m sharing my personal favorites—products that have transformed my skin and made me reach for these items again and again.
Whether you’re dealing with texture, oiliness, redness, or just want to maintain a healthy skin barrier, there’s a serum (or two) here for you.
A quick note…
Before I dive into the products and serums that have made the biggest difference in my skincare routine, I want to start with a quick disclaimer.
I’m not a dermatologist or an esthetician; I’m simply a beauty enthusiast.
Fortunately, living in Los Angeles gives me access to a variety of reputable brands and beauty professionals. If you have any skin concerns, it’s always wise to do a patch test or consult with a professional.
Now, I’m excited to share what’s worked for me, so let’s get to the fun part!
My Skin Journey and Why I Switched to Korean Skincare
Before I knew better, I used to think skincare was just about slapping on a moisturizer and calling it a day. I at least managed to wash off my mascara before going to bed though!
But after years of fighting shiny skin and bumpy texture, I knew I needed a change. That’s when I discovered Korean skincare.
K-beauty is all about gentle, effective ingredients and layering products to give your skin exactly what it needs.
It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about building long-term skin health.
When I started using the best Korean skincare serums for my concerns, everything changed. My skin became smoother, less oily, and way more hydrated.
I felt like I needed less makeup to cover up my imperfections. Which definitely changed how I got ready for the day or any event.
Not to mention, the price difference in almost all of these products was such a stress relief. I no longer felt like I was spending hundreds of dollars every month to stay battling with the same issues.
I found the active ingredients I needed to see a change and give me the radiant skin I was craving.
The Best Korean Skincare Serums (That Actually Work)
If you’re ready to dive into serums, here are my tried-and-true favorites:
1. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
This is nourishing without being too heavy. It’s packed with rice bran water and arbutin.
Those ingredients work together to brighten dull skin and improve texture.
It’s lightweight, layers perfectly under moisturizer, and has become a must-have in my routine for that radiant, glass-skin look.
2. TIRTIR SOS Serum
This is a product I WILL NOT SKIP if I’m doing makeup.
It gives the perfect base that helps me have a flawless face.
It’s also collagen boosting and provides much better hydration than typical hyaluronic acid.
3. Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum
This serum is a lifesaver for brightening and calming the skin.
Niacinamide helps reduce redness and oil production, while tranexamic acid hydrates and evens out skin tone.
It’s lightweight and leaves my skin feeling fresh.
I alternate between this one and the CORSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum.
4. Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
When I’m dealing with redness or breakouts, this serum is my go-to.
Azelaic acid works wonders for calming irritation, and has antibacterial properties so it kills acne-causing bacteria too!
I’ll use this as needed.
5. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum
Centella Asiatica is a holy grail ingredient in K-beauty, and in my opinion, no one does it better than SKIN1004.
This ampoule is perfect for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.
It’s helped me rebuild my skin barrier after over-exfoliating (oops) and keeps my skin feeling balanced.
This is also one that can be used every day.
6. SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
This retinol serum is a dream for anyone dealing with fine lines or early signs of aging.
It’s gentle but effective, and I noticed my skin texture felt smoother after consistently and properly using it.
*In full transparency, I do alternate my retinols.
On the nights I use my chemical exfoliant (currently using the one from Prequel), I’ll use the gentler plant-derived bakuchiol serum from Eqqualberry. It’s so important to keep those actives separate so it doesn’t cause irritation.
I use a bukuchiol eye cream as well so that stays the same each day.
The Best Korean Skincare Serums for Different Skin Concerns
If you’re looking for serums that deliver real results, here are my go-to picks based on specific skin concerns:
1. Brightening and Texture Improvement
- Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Pore Refreshing Mask Mud: This mask isn’t technically a serum, but it’s a great treatment for cleaning out pores and improving texture. It’s especially good for oily and acne-prone skin.
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule: This gel-like serum is a lifesaver for brightening acne scars and uneven skin tone. I find it to be the least pore-clogging of some of my brightening serums, and the texture is very pleasant.
- Torriden Dive In Serum: A yes all around if you want hydration and smooth skin. It’s one of my favorites I’ll use during the hot summer months.
2. Anti-Aging and Daily Defense
- PURITO Pure Vitamin C Serum: This serum is packed with ascorbic acid, a powerful form of vitamin C that reduces dark spots and brightens the skin overtime. It also contains natural antioxidants to fight free radicals and boost collagen production. Find it here on Stylevana.
- Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum: Another great Vitamin C option that helps defend your skin from environmental factors, and something that should be used every day.
- iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum: If you haven’t tried snail mucin yet, you’re missing out. This serum helps repair and hydrate the skin while improving texture. It absorbs quickly, and I use this when my skin gets on the drier side.
3. Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
- TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner: Acne-safe and provides a great start to your skin care routine without adding any heaviness. I’ve also tried their Light version, and I’m a fan of both!
- SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream: This cream-serum hybrid is a fantastic option for anyone dealing with breakouts. It uses gentle exfoliating acids to clear pores and smooth texture without drying out the skin. I wish it were in a pump, but that’s my only grip with it so far.
- KraveBeauty Oil La La Linoleic Acid-Rich Oil Serum: If you’re dealing with acne caused by clogged pores, this serum is a game-changer. It’s rich in linoleic acid, which helps balance sebum production and reduce inflammation.
4. Barrier Repair and Sensitivity
- Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel: This gel is perfect for soothing irritated or sensitive skin. It’s packed with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration. I love using this when my skin feels dry in the colder months or over-exfoliated.
- PURITO Centella Unscented Serum: Made with centella asiatica, this serum is great for calming redness and irritation. It’s fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. I like to use this after my chemical exfoliant.
Kbeauty Serums for Beginners
If you’re new to K-beauty, starting with the best Korean skincare serums can feel like a lot.
I’ve used all of these serums, but I don’t use them all at once!
And, it took me a while to figure out the ones that I truly saw improvements with.
I’ve tested these out, and my tip is to start simple and focus on your specific skin concerns.
Here are a few beginner-friendly serums I recommend:
- EQQUALBERRY Swimming Pool Toner: While technically a toner, this product preps the skin beautifully for serums. It’s perfect for all skin types (including sensitive skin) and gently exfoliates the skin while leaving it hydrated. It’s a great starting point in your skincare routine.
- Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum: Vitamin C is one of the best powerhouse ingredients for beginners, and this serum is gentle and effective. It’s going to help boost protection from your sunscreen and is a perfect starter Vitamin C option for beginners. You can always work your way up to something more potent.
- Speaking of sunscreen, KraveBeauty Beet The Sun SPF 40+++: I’ve gone on and on about Kbeauty sunscreens so much, I even have an entire blog post dedicated to the Best of them. Always wear your sunscreen. Period. This is another amazing option available.
- HARUHARU wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil: Wash that sunscreen and the day off with an oil-based cleanser. This is how you’ll get a truly clean face and prevent any clogged pores.
Adjusting Your Skincare for Seasonal Changes
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your skincare routine should change with the seasons.
You’ll see some things remain the same.
Here’s how I adjust some of my products for summer and winter:
Summer Skincare
In the summer, I focus on lightweight hydration and oil control. Heat and humidity can make my skin feel greasy, so I keep my routine simple with:
- EQQUALBERRY Swimming Pool Toner to prep and hydrate without feeling heavy. I’ll use every other day.
- HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence: Super lightweight and nourishing.
- Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum to manage redness and oil production.
- Vitamin C
- Torriden DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream is my go-to for lightweight hydration during the day if I feel I need it, if not I save it for my nighttime routine.
- Sunscreen (always sunscreen!)
- Double cleansing to take the day off.
- Retinol cycling
Winter Skincare
Winter is all about hydration and barrier repair. The cold weather and indoor heating can wreak havoc on my skin, so I reach for richer, nourishing products:
- TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner
- Vitamin C and a peptide serum
- Centella Unscented Serum to help with any redness or dryness
- Sunscreen – yes, still in the winter
- Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel for hydration and barrier support at night and after a retinol.
- SUNGBOON EDITOR Deep Collagen Overnight Mask to lock in moisture overnight if I’m feeling extra dry.
- Lip mask
Travel-Friendly K-Beauty Must-Haves
Skincare doesn’t stop when I’m on the go! These are my favorite travel-friendly products to keep my skin happy:
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum: A compact ampoule that calms and hydrates sensitive skin while traveling.
- TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner Light: This lightweight toner preps the skin perfectly for serums and comes in a travel-sized bottle.
- Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask : A multitasking product that works as both a moisturizer and a sleeping mask—perfect for simplifying your travel routine.
YesStyle.com offers many of these serums in travel sizes as well!
Why These Serums Are Worth It
What I love most about K-beauty is how customizable it is.
You can mix and match products based on your skin’s needs. And the lightweight formulas make it easy to layer without feeling greasy.
The best Korean skincare serums are gentle, packed with effective ingredients, and perfect for tackling issues like oiliness, texture, and signs of aging like it did for me,
Plus, they’re affordable compared to a lot of Western brands—and who doesn’t love getting amazing results without breaking the bank? Most of these amazing and effective serums are in the $20 price range.
Like I mentioned before, I’m able to get many of these products at stores local to me. Many of these are online – but it’s important to note that counterfeits are out there.
If you’re shopping online and the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
My best suggestion if you’re shopping on sites like Amazon is to make sure the seller is from the actual brand. Not a third-party, random seller!
I love StyleVana and Olive Young as other legitimate options, but their shipping does take a few weeks.
Many of these brands are on TikTok and have their own verified TikTok shop (with the blue checkmark) or verified sellers as well. I recommend Cocomint Beauty and iHerb for that platform!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to improving skin texture, managing oiliness, or giving your skin a little extra love, K-beauty serums are unmatched.
The best Korean skincare serums are packed with effective ingredients that actually work, but don’t take the life out of your skin or wallet to do so.
I couldn’t be more thrilled to have these products in my rotation. I hope it helped shed some light on skincare items you might have never heard of!
Whether you’re dealing with summer humidity or winter dryness, there’s a serum (and a routine!) here to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin.
So, grab a few of these K-beauty staples and let your skin thank you later!
What are your favorite K-beauty products? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new recommendations!
